thing which the Island can clearly see.

Darren Herbert, 23, is focussing in on his life goal of acting.

You may recognise him or have seen some of Darren's work, probably on stage, in dance, or maybe you have seen the VIP commercial in which he played an office worker dreaming of changing careers. With his determination Darren will be one to watch.

Currently Darren is enrolled at the University of Arts in Philadelphia where he is pursuing a Bachelors degree in musical theatre.

The programme is one in which he must delve into every area of performing, whether it be acting, dancing, music or singing.

His reasons for getting into the acting field come from a lot of thought.

"I had done the 12 years of schooling here in Bermuda,'' Darren explains.

I've been through the Regiment, and in between I had spent five years going through various jobs.'' "This was the one I like. It speaks to me.'' Acting, he said, has been the only thing consistent in his life.

"So I might as well get certified,'' Darren says with a shrug.

He notes that in other countries there are many programmes which are used to help promote the arts. But Bermuda does not have anything which is actively pushing the arts. And many budding artists often turn to the Government for some sort of assistance.

"It's not a they issue, I see it as a we thing,'' Darren points out. "If anybody is going to do it then it is my job.'' In Philadelphia where he attends school he explains that there are a variety of theatres on every corner. Theatres that cater to all tastes, from drama to interpretational dance, to specialised plays.

"Don't think that I have a one track mind,'' Darren says. "I could pretend to be a business man. But I know I can make money through this.'' As for the future Darren plans to pursue his acting toward a Masters degree.

He notes that two girls who attended his school are now enrolled in the Yale Theatre School -- a programme he is striving to enter. He also notes that one of his former classmates left the school and is now on a national theatrical tour.

"Ideally I would work in the industry and get my Masters so that I can be legitimate,'' Darren says.

Another hope is that someday there might emerge a small film industry in the Island.

"We have sleeping giants,'' Darren says. "We have actors, screenwriters, people out there who are ready,'' "Bermudians are natural actors,'' he adds. "We have a natural stage presence.'' The rise of business has led to more career opportunities in those fields and as a result of the great emphasis on business, local arts suffer, Darren explains.

"We ignore our desires and put them on the back burner,'' he says. Darren, for the summer, is working as a dietary porter and has taken an orderly course at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

He admits he has been through a variety of jobs and experiences. But he says they all help develop his understanding of characters when it comes to acting.